Mission Overview
Ryan L. Kobrick

Expedition Gamma (ExGamma) was a Mars Society Canada (MSC) Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) rotation designed to train a crew of six with two MDRS experienced instructors. The mission started in June of 2006 with an international “call for applicants” press release from the crew Commander, Ryan Kobrick, and the MSC Director of Expeditions, Lealem Mulugeta. John Thaler was selected in August as the Executive Officer, and the applications for the crew were due August 31. Ryan, Lealem and John ran a rigorous crew selection process with former MSC Commander Melissa Battler to select an all- star team of talent. The crew’s successful teamwork and interpersonal bonding during the mission proved the success of the selection process.

The ExGamma (or crew 56) mission training included habitat systems operations, field science methodology for Geology and Biology, human factors research, and a lecture series of the crew’s personal research. These activities were conducted in simulation, which includes analogue spacesuits, airlock pressurization protocol, ATV training for Extra Vehicle Activities (EVAs), and general habitat maintenance.

Biology Summary
Adrienne Kish

There were four main contributions made in biology during ExGamma. First of all, a complete inventory of the biology equipment at MDRS was completed highlighting the equipment permanently available at MDRS as well as supplies to be purchased for the biology lab and supplies that each biologist will need to bring for their mission rotation. Secondly, microbial culturing methods were improved upon yielding growth from all 11 soil/mineral samples taken on EVA. Thirdly, UV irradiation studies of all 11 soil/mineral samples were conducted, yielding results indicating that the microbial flora of some sites are more radiation resistant than others. Fourthly, Anna and Adrienne performed a UV-C sterilization study on the EVA suits.

Geology Summary
Cassandra Marion

To identify which evaporite deposits will best suit a study of inclusions, several sites were visited on EVA to sample and describe the evaporite deposits around MDRS. Gypsum and calcite were the two most abundant evaporite minerals identified. The Summerville Formation has abundant gypsum, and can be accessed in Candor Chasma, just east of MDRS. Three main forms of gypsum were observed: bedded massive selenite, in veins and in cm- to meter-sized pink nodules. The nodules consist of very fine-grained light pink gypsum though the weathered surface is brown. There may be some intermixed phosphorite. Blocs of euhedral, translucent calcites were found overlying the mudflats west of the habitat, about 1 km from radio ridge. The outcrop of origin may be the mudflat itself. Small inclusions of yet unknown composition were identified with the transmitted microscope in the lab, in the selenite crystals. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis will be completed in the near future to ascertain the presence of inclusions in the rest of the samples. Several samples of these evaporites along with samples of chert were labeled and left in the lab as a training aid for future geologists.

Human Factors Summary
Liz Gauthier

The crew participated in two experiments. The first study involved a correlation between performance and exercise. The experimental group exercised 30 minutes per day and took a 12-minute performance test. The control group only took the performance test. This pilot study will give an indication if exercise does or doesn't increase performance. The second study involves testing different type of astronaut underwear. There are four systems: AFS-2, FlexComp - CF, FlexComp - PC, and the Exmocare Watch, which recorded the subject's physiological signs (i.e. heart rate, skin conductance, and respiration). NASA will take this information and validate their newer monitoring system.

Health & Safety Summary
Anna Grinberg

There were two health and safety incidents that occurred during ExGamma. These included an allergic reaction at end of an EVA, and tripping on the treadmill during an exercise protocol. Both were handled quickly and efficiently at MDRS, using the contents of the First Aid Kit.

The bimonthly HSO inspection was completed during the second week. Some improvements could be implemented. Firstly, the checklist should be updated as fire and carbon monoxide detectors differ in location and availability from what is specified in the checklist. Secondly, a thorough inventory of the first aid cabinet should be added to this inspection as there are many medications that are out of date, and also this is the best way to know medications are missing, rather than finding out when a sick crewmember doesn’t have available medications that need their needs. Further, a replacement EpiPen is needed, as the current product is three years expired.

Lastly, Crew 56 would like to emphasize that, despite an allergic reaction (which was handled autonomously), Pixel, the habitat cat, was integral to our success. He greatly added benefit to crew attitudes and cohesiveness, and was much loved by all crewmembers. Out of our 8-person crew, 6 have mild cat allergies. But there was only one incidence where this required immediate use of antihistamines. No other crew used antihistamine regularly, and the crewmember that had the initial reaction had no further reactions after taking antihistamines regularly. This appears to be an appropriate countermeasure to moderate cat allergies. The benefits of having Pixel at MDRS, from crew psychology to the reduction in health hazards from rodents, are worth allergic crewmembers taking preventative medicine. It would be a great shame to remove Pixel permanently from MDRS.

Engineering Summary
Brogan Hetrick & Seth Koterba

The ExGamma engineering team has spent the majority of their mission maintaining the habitat life support systems. The systems, which were particularly troublesome, included the potable water transfer pump, the generator set and the ATVs. In the course of maintaining these systems, the team was required to replace the gen-set starter motor power lead lug, replace an inoperative freshwater transfer pump, and make multiple repairs to the ATVs. ATV-3 was particularly difficult, as the crack in the casing continued to worsen over the course of the mission.

In addition to these duties, the engineering team was able to accomplish several projects to better the habitat. These included reorganization of the EVA prep-room, an inventory of the green-hab, clearing out the overgrowth of the green-hab garden, and planting of more plants in the garden. The largest project involved installing a fueling platform for the ATVs, near the generator shelter. The majority of this project was completed in simulation, as part of a research project on carrying our large-scale engineering projects in a Mars analog setting.

Final Thoughts
John Thaler

The crew got along wonderfully right from the beginning and developed a fantastic working environment greased with a healthy dose of humour and the help of our ninth crewmember, Pixel the Hab cat. The dynamic cooperation between the scientists and engineers on the mission significantly enhanced the learning process and two spontaneous projects were planned and initiated during the two weeks as a result. The lessons learned from ExGamma will continue to help us improve the expedition training series and we look forward to collaborating together on future missions.